Reform of the withholding tax - can the Gordian knot be untangled?
With its dispatch of April 2021 on the reform of the withholding tax, the Federal Council is making a new attempt to strengthen the domestic debt capital market. The bill is economically necessary and suitable for finding a pragmatic solution that is acceptable to the majority. Parliamentary consultations have already begun.
Withholding tax and debt capital, including the planned revision of the Withholding Tax Act
In terms of withholding tax, we focus on withholding tax on the income from equity securities. In particular, pecuniary benefits occupy us and often lead to emotionally profound experiences and contacts with withholding tax. Similarly, we constantly deal with the question of the refund of withholding tax owed, including the issue of "How can I repatriate profit reserves subject to withholding tax abroad?
Withholding tax reform - "more than meets the eye
The withholding tax reform bill introduced with the Federal Council Dispatch published on 14 April 2021 aims to largely abolish withholding tax on interest income and, as an accompanying measure, to abolish the turnover tax on Swiss bonds. In this context, implementation issues at the banks and financial institutions, the effects of the reform on structured products and group financing, the treatment of substitute payments in securities lending/borrowing transactions and indirect interest investments are examined in greater detail.
Editorial for the special issue "Implementation of the STAF
At zsis we are pleased to be able to provide an overview of the implementation of the corporate tax reform in the individual cantons. The authors not only provide information on the reduction of the profit tax rate, but also highlight the change from tax privileges to ordinary corporate taxation. They also report on the other cantonal particularities.
Federal Council supports abolition of imputed rental value
The Federal Council proposes that Parliament accept the bill of the Committee for Economic Affairs and Taxation of the Council of States (WAK-S), which proposes a change in the system of residential property taxation. At the same time, it proposes amendments to key parameters.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on social security agreement with Tunisia
On 18 August 2021, the Federal Council referred the Dispatch on the approval of the Agreement on Social Security between Switzerland and Tunisia to Parliament.
Federal Council approves new social security agreement between Switzerland and the United Kingdom
The Federal Council approved a new social security agreement between Switzerland and the United Kingdom on 11 August 2021.
Switzerland and Ethiopia sign a double taxation agreement
On 29.07.2021, Switzerland and Ethiopia signed an agreement to avoid double taxation in the area of taxes on income. Before the agreement can enter into force, it must still be approved by the parliaments of both countries.
Switzerland and Japan sign protocol of amendment to double taxation agreement
On 16 July 2021, Switzerland and Japan signed an amendment protocol to the double taxation agreement that implements the minimum standards under BEPS.
Federal Council approves adjustment of customs tariff from 1 January 2022
The revision of the internationally harmonised list of goods of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) requires an adjustment of the Swiss customs tariff. The Federal Council approved this at its meeting on 30 June 2021.